S.J. offers flu shot clinics

STOCKTON - It's time to protect against influenza, and county Public Health Services is offering adult seasonal flu shot clinics for the first time in several years.

Joe Goldeen

STOCKTON - It's time to protect against influenza, and county Public Health Services is offering adult seasonal flu shot clinics for the first time in several years.

The cost is $15 - cheaper than commercial pharmacies and many physicians' offices - but if that is too much, no one will be turned away because of an inability to pay. No appointment is necessary.

Health Officer Dr. Karen Furst noted the flu is a serious, contagious disease that can be prevented.

"The single best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated. Practicing good health habits will further help protect against the flu," Furst said.

Sean Nevarez, 38, heeded her warning, showing up at Thursday's vaccination clinic. It was the first time the uninsured Stockton resident had gotten a shot in quite a while, but he said his current living arrangements - in a shelter - required that he do so.

"I don't like needles, but I think I like the flu even less," Nevarez said.

In addition to offering seasonal flu vaccine for adults at the special clinics, people of all ages can get vaccinated during regular immunization hours at the Lodi, Manteca and Stockton clinics operated by San Joaquin County Public Health Services. That schedule is available at sjcphs.org or by calling (800) 839-4949. For other locations, visit healthmap.org/flushot. To learn more about getting protected against the flu, visit flu.gov.

Most retail pharmacies and many physicians, clinics and medical groups offer flu shots. The price may be reduced or no cost for some insured patients. Sutter Gould Medical Foundation patients who pay cash will be charged $20.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu and its related complications are the eighth-leading cause of death nationwide, associated with as many as 49,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year.

CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women. Healthy people ages 2 to 49 who are not pregnant may opt for the nasal spray flu vaccine instead of a shot.

To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, health officials recommend:

» Stay home when sick.

» Cover a cough or sneeze by using your elbow or a tissue and properly disposing of the used tissue.

» Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.